Uttarakhand weather update: Orange alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms in Dehradun, Nainital; waterlogging, storms disrupt daily life
Uttarakhand weather update: Orange alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms in Dehradun, Nainital; waterlogging, storms disrupt daily life
: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Dehradun, and Nainital districts, warning of thunderstorms and lightning as the monsoon intensifies across Uttarakhand.
A yellow alert has also been issued for Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Champawat, while light to moderate rain is expected in most other districts including Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Almora, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh.
The first major monsoon spell in the state capital has already caused significant disruption. Continuous rain from morning to afternoon on Sunday led to waterlogging in several parts of Dehradun, with choked drains overflowing and dirty water spilling onto roads. In low-lying areas, rainwater entered homes and shops, causing property damage and hardship for residents. The Bindal River, which flows through the city, also swelled dangerously, posing a threat to nearby settlements.
Despite the chaos, the rains have brought relief to farmers, especially those preparing for paddy transplantation. The downpour has created favorable conditions for agriculture, brightening prospects for the upcoming crop season.
However, the humid heat continues to trouble residents in the plains, even as temperatures have dropped. On Sunday, Dehradun recorded a maximum temperature of 30°C, three degrees below normal, and a minimum of 25.8°C, two degrees below normal. In the hill districts, temperatures have fallen by up to 4°C due to rain and gusty winds.
According to Dr. Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Center in Dehradun, the monsoon has made a strong entry into the state, and rainfall activity is expected to continue over the next few days. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds (30–50 km/h) and lightning are likely in several areas, increasing the risk of landslides and flash floods, particularly in hilly terrain.
The IMD has advised residents to stay indoors during intense spells, avoid travel in vulnerable areas, and remain alert to weather updates. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local administrations are on standby to respond to any emergencies. As the monsoon establishes its grip over Uttarakhand, the state braces for both relief and risk—with farmers welcoming the rain, while urban centers struggle with drainage and safety challenges.
Namita is an Assistant News Editor at News9 Live. She has reported on a range of issues from Uttarakhand for mainstream papers such as The Hindu and websites such as Firstpost.com. She has also covered elections in the hill state for both Deccan Herald and The Hindu. Her passion is dissecting the politics of Uttarakhand and meeting and understanding the principal political actors of the state. Namita did PG Diploma in Journalism from AMU and later she pursued MJMC, when not busy writing, she loves to spend time with books, poetry and fiction as well as nonfiction.
